Exploring Europe: A Transportation Guide
Hello everyone! After gleaning so much valuable information from this group, I'm excited to share my recent experiences navigating public transport across five incredible European countries. I hope these insights prove helpful for your own adventures!
France
In France, I relied heavily on the IDF Mobilités app. It's user-friendly and provides comprehensive listings of transport options, schedules, and routes. I purchased a Navigo card at a train station for 2€ (a non-refundable card). You can then load fares onto the card directly through your phone.
During my visit, there were reduced fare options available (Tram-bus reduced and Train Reduced) for 1€ and 1.25€, respectively. Purchasing around six of these tickets covered my daily travel within the city at a much lower cost than the full-day pass, priced at 12€. I'm unsure if these fares are still available. Standard fares are usually 2€ without the discount. If you plan to travel extensively, consider the unlimited pass (around 31€ for four days, I believe).
Please note: airport transfers have a different fare structure. Reduced fares are around 6€ one way, and standard fares are 12€. All available fares should appear on the app after scanning your Navigo card. I made the mistake of purchasing a ticket at the airport counter, where I was sold a 3-journey ticket for 17€! Consequently, I took a very expensive Uber ride to my hotel. Learn from my mistake and use the app!
Remember that buying tickets with cash on the bus costs 2.5€ per journey. With a valid ticket, simply tap your phone at the validator.
Paris to Brussels: I booked a Flixbus ticket via Omio. The journey took approximately three hours, and the ticket cost 13€ when booked two months in advance. The Quai de Bery bus station was quite chaotic and outdated. If possible, I would recommend looking into alternative, cleaner stations.
The Flixbus ride was smooth, although traffic caused a delay, extending the journey to over four hours. The seats recline, allowing passengers to sleep comfortably. There are also charging ports and a rest stop for refreshments and toilet breaks.
Belgium
In Brussels, I utilized the STIB-MIVB app. Individual tickets cost 2.5€, but a bundle of 10 tickets can be purchased for 18€, which I found to be the most economical option. Given Belgium's smaller size, four tickets typically covered my daily travel needs. There is no price difference depending on the length of your travel. To visit Gent and Bruges, I bought a weekend ticket for 17€ (compared to 35€ during the week). I was able to walk to most places in the center and enjoy the sights.
Netherlands
Brussels to Amsterdam: I traveled via Flixbus once again, paying 20€ per person. Although the journey was shorter, the ticket price was higher, likely due to the destination. Prices are generally more expensive in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam: Transport options in Amsterdam can be a little confusing. Consider purchasing a regional pass for about 21€ per day for unlimited travel both in Amsterdam and the surrounding areas (including Zaanse Schans Windmills). Tickets are slightly cheaper if purchased on the spot (19€). Bus fares vary depending on whether you stay inside the city or travel outside.
Alternatively, you can use the NSCB, GVB and NS apps for buses and trains. I used my Visa card as payment, and each trip averaged around 2€. Since I was staying in Purmerend (Regional), a trip to Amsterdam was 6.5€. Remember to tap your card both when boarding and exiting; otherwise, you will be charged the maximum fare of 14€ for buses and 20€ for trains. All in all, transport cost around 21€ a day. I found walking the canals in Amsterdam to be the best way to enjoy the city.
On one occasion, my card tap failed, and I was charged the maximum amount. I contacted customer support online and provided my destination details, and the excess fare was refunded.
Germany
Amsterdam to Cologne: I booked a train ticket through Omio. All three train journeys were punctual. Despite slight differences in train codes displayed on the app, I boarded any train heading to my destination on the platform.
On longer journeys, ticket checks are common, so keep your ticket readily accessible. Most trains to Germany are operated by DB (Deutsche Bahn). Download the DB Navigator app to check schedules and platform information. Google Maps does not always display platform details or list all available routes. Although train transfers are required, I prefer trains to buses because they are smoother, avoid traffic, and allow me to keep my luggage within sight. Moreover, four-seater compartments allows you to keep your luggage in the seating area.
Cologne: I used the DB Navigator app. Since I spent an extended time in Germany, I purchased the Deutschland Ticket (58€) for unlimited travel on all German transport (excluding CE and ICE long-distance services). This ticket is beneficial for trips exceeding one week and involving multiple cities; however, it's less advantageous for single-city stays. You must have a German bank account to purchase this ticket. Luckily, a friend helped me with this. The ticket is a QR code; it does not require tapping. Be prepared for random checks to avoid fines. I encountered two checks out of four journeys.
Ticket vending machines are available at stations and on some trains and buses. Alternatively, you can purchase tickets directly from the driver using cash only (card payments are not accepted). Individual tickets can be purchased via the app for about 3.5€ for short trips. For longer journeys, ticket prices vary. Check fares using the app by entering your departure and destination. There are also unlimited full-day tickets for groups of five. Look for posters displaying the company logo on trains and download their respective apps to purchase tickets. Use Google Translate to assist with the German text.
Cologne to Gengenbach: I used BlaBlaCar, a carpooling app popular in Europe. Enter your departure and destination, and the app will suggest drivers traveling in the same direction. I reviewed driver profiles before booking, noting their departure and arrival points. After booking, I contacted the driver for confirmation. The benefit of traveling by car is the speed and the drawback is that you are dependent on where they can drop you off. If you are lucky, they can drop you off at the train station but if they refuse to take you to the station, you can be stranded. The driver was kind and dropped me off at the train station.
Switzerland
Gengenbach to St. Gallen: I took a train to Konstanz and then transferred to a train to Switzerland. In Switzerland, I purchased tickets using the SBB Mobile app, which has a user-friendly interface similar to the DB Navigator. Switzerland offers day passes for unlimited travel. Since I visited only a few places, I opted to purchase tickets for each journey individually. However, I was never asked to show my ticket. It was a lot less than in Germany. Short train trips of under 10 stops cost around 3.5CHF, while bus trips cost 2.5CHF.
Italy
St. Gallen to Milan: I used BlaBlaCar again. This time, an Italian driver picked me up directly from my hotel. The fare was 25€ per person, and the drive to Italy took four hours. The mountain views along the way were stunning. The roads in Switzerland are well maintained and clean. Although the drive took four hours, the scenic views kept me awake. I recommend taking this route instead of the train.
Milan: I used the ATM Milano app for transport within Milan. Tickets for buses and trains cost 2,5€ per journey. Alternatively, you can purchase a day pass for 9€, a 2-day pass for 14€, or a 3-day pass for 15€. I purchased a 3-day pass for zones 1-2-3, which covered the city center. This worked out to be around 5€ per day, which I considered very economical. You must tap your card when entering or exiting trains, although you can also use a QR code. On buses and trams, ticket checks are rare. I visited Lake Como and purchased a regional ticket for 5€ one way, or 10€ return. I took a bus to Malpensa Airport from the city center for 10€. I had initially considered booking a taxi but at 120€, I decided against it!
Thank you, and I wish you all safe and enjoyable travels!
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